The importance of mental health at work

According to mind.org.uk, in the UK mental health conditions are the leading cause of sickness absence, costing businesses an estimated £45 billion. While in Australia, these issues account for about $12 billion in lost productivity per year. These large figures highlight the significant impact of mental health on economies, yet only a few seem to take this issue seriously.

Mental health affects everyone - women, men, and even children. However, women are disproportionately affected_, according to a study by McKinsey & Lean In’s Women in the Workplace made in 2022. The disparity in burnout and mental health challenges between women and men in the workplace reflects broader systemic issues faced by women, particularly in leadership roles, caregiving responsibilities, and workplace culture.

Why do women report higher levels of burnout and mental health challenges than men?

Unequal Distribution of Caregiving Responsibilities
Women often carry the bulk of caregiving and household duties. Unpaid work is commonly referred to as the "double shift". This additional burden leads to heightened stress and exhaustion. McKinsey reported that in 2020, 1 in 3 women considered downshifting their careers or leaving the workforce entirely due to these pressures.

Lack of Flexibility:
Women are more likely to report that their workplace doesn’t offer enough flexibility to manage both professional and personal responsibilities. This lack of flexibility is often a key driver of burnout.
Many women, especially those in mid-level management positions, cite a lack of control over their schedules as a major stressor.

Unequal Career Advancement Opportunities:
For every 100 men promoted to a managerial position, only 87 women are promoted, according to the same McKinsey & Lean In report.
Women of colour face even greater challenges, with fewer opportunities for promotion, support, or mentorship. These can increase feelings of isolation, frustration, and stress.
The "broken rung" phenomenon refers to the disproportionate number of women missing out on first-level management roles, which limits their long-term career opportunities. These inequities in advancement can contribute to dissatisfaction, disengagement, and burnout.

Microaggressions and Discrimination:
In McKinsey’s report, 64% of women in leadership said they face higher scrutiny than men, leading to an increase in stress and the feeling that they must always prove themselves. Microaggressions contribute to an environment of exclusion and bias, which can lead to increased stress, feelings of not belonging, and ultimately, higher burnout rates.

These are just a few of the challenges women face...

The Main Issue: Mental Health Stigma in the Workplace

Women are more likely than men to seek help for mental health issues, however, women may feel that their struggles or burnouts might jeopardise their professional standing. Concerns about being seen as "weak" or unable to handle pressure lead to underreporting issues in environments where there is little or no support.

Companies that lack support such as access to counselling or employee assistance programs (EAPs), contribute to the worsening of burnout, especially for women. Addressing this stigma and providing better mental health resources are essential steps toward creating healthier, more supportive workplaces.

Thank you
The Womality Team
hello@womality.com

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